First Night Success of Best Musical In Dublin

Fans flocked to Dublin's Grand Canal Theatre in a first night crowd last night.

Following a successful run in Belfast's Grand Opera House, Dancing Shoes: The George Best Story opened last night in the Dublin theatre.

Nearly 40,000 people saw the show over its two runs at the Belfast Grand Opera House. The musical attracted a new audience, mostly men, who would not normally go the theatre.

Indeed, 200 of Bohemians Football Club brought a touch of the terraces to the opening night and, with this in mind, director Peter Sheridan said producers were delighted when Bohemians supporters booked a few rows for the Dublin premiere.

Written by Marie Jones and Martin Lynch, the stage musical tells the story of the football genius both on and off the pitch.

Music is provided by Glasgow's JJ Gilmour (The Silencers) and Belfast's Pat Gribben (The Adventures ).

The musical dramatises Best's extraordinary talent, his rise from the back streets to world fame at Manchester United and ultimately to tragedy as he failed to overcome an alcohol addiction that eventually killed him.

It does not shy away from confronting the downsides of Best's life, especially when his wife, Angie Best, left him at the same time that his mother died.

There is also a scene, based on reality, when another Northern Irish hellraiser and sporting genius, Alex Higgins, went to see Best as he was dying in hospital. They then break into a song called We had a ball.

The musical, which runs until Saturday, is directed by Peter Sheridan who had his own, ultimately successful battle with alcoholism. Sheridan said the nature of addiction was one of the reasons that he decided to do the musical.

Peter Sheridan says "People nowadays have to remember that George Best was the original David Beckham. He had all the fame in the world, romanced several ex-Miss Worlds and did enough drinking to rival the best. It's all there. A fantastic story. I know Dublin audiences will love it."

Playwright, Marie Jones added, "I am absolutely thrilled with the way this show has turned out. The songwriters have come up with the most amazing, beautiful, catchy songs and music.

"In Belfast the audiences came out of the theatre singing them."

The show has been given the thumbs-up by a who's who of famous sports people and celebrities,Callum Best (George's son) said: "This show put me through the emotional wringer. It was brilliant though and the cast were superb."

"I cried and I laughed all night. Highly recommended," said Norman Whiteside, ex-Man U footballer.

The show runs in the Grand Canal Theatre all week.

(LB/BMcC)